Canada will enact a national ban on perpetually confining breeding sows in gestation crates. The ban is included in the National Farm Animal Care Council’s new Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs. As mandated by the Codes, “For all holdings newly built or rebuilt or brought into use for the first time after July 1, 2014, mated gilts and sows must be housed in groups.” The Codes also make clear the future of sow housing in Canada must allow animals greater freedom of movement. Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection for The HSUS issued the following statement:

“Canada has joined dozens of other countries in shifting away from confining breeding pigs in gestation crates, cages that are so small that the animals can’t even turn around, which have been criticized by veterinarians, animal protection advocates and traditional farmers. We urge the American pork sector to see the writing on the wall and follow in the footsteps of Canada. The Pork Board and Pork Producers Council will only hurt the very farmers they purport to serve if they keep their heads in the sand on this issue.”

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The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.